MIT Deconstructs Language
April 14, 2021
I got a chuckle from the MIT Technology Review write up “Big Tech’s Guide to Talking about AI Ethics.” The core of the write up is a list of token words like “framework”, “transparency”, by design”, “progress”, and “trustworthy.” The idea is that instead of explaining the craziness of smart software with phrases like “yeah, the intern who set up the thresholds is now studying Zen in Denver” or “the lady in charge of that project left in weird circumstances but I don’t follow that human stuff.” The big tech outfits which have a generous dollop of grads from outfits like MIT string together token words to explain what 85 percent confidence means. Yeah, think about it when you ask your pediatrician if the antidote given your child will work. Here’s the answer most parents want to hear: “Ashton will be just fine.” Parents don’t want to hear, “probably 15 out of every 100 kids getting this drug will die. Close enough for horse shoes.”
The hoot is that I took a look at MIT’s statements about Jeffrey Epstein and the hoo-hah about the money this estimable person contributed to the MIT outfit. Here are some phrases I selected plus their source.
- a thorough review of MIT’s engagements with Jeffrey Epstein (Link to source)
- no role in approving MIT’s acceptance of the donations. (Link to source)
- gifts to the Institute were approved under an informal framework (Link to source)
- for all of us who love MIT and are dedicated to its mission (Link to source)
- this situation demands openness and transparency (Link to source).
Yep, “framework”, “openness,” and “transparency.” Reassuring words like “thorough” and passive voice. Excellent.
Word tokens are worth what exactly?
Stephen E Arnold, April 14, 2021
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